If a receiver is out of the stream for too long (two weeks or more) then it will automatically deactivate itself within the receiver. According to Dish Network's records it will still show as active on the account. Dish Network will just send a rehit to the receiver to make it active again. You will want to keep it connected to a satellite cable and keep it plugged in to the electrical outlet in order to keep the programming on the receiver to prevent yourself from having to call in constantly to get it rehit.